Word Origin & History

reception late 14c., in astrology, "effect of two planets on each other;" sense of "act of receiving" is recorded from late 15c., from L. receptionem (nom. receptio) "a receiving," from receptus, pp. of recipere (see receive). Sense of "ceremonial gathering" is 1882, from French.

Example Sentences for reception

Mrs. Morgan gave Robert a reception as warm as her husband had done.

He could assure them they felt highly flattered at the reception which had been accorded them.

The preparations for our reception at Adelaide were most elaborate.

He was altogether unprepared for the reception which the lily received.

Becket could hardly have been prepared for the manner of his reception.

But the reception they got departed from tradition and propriety.

We had an ordinary run to Charleston, and began to prepare for the reception of our cargo.

Highly gratified by the kindness of his reception, Young John descended the staircase.

The store of creature comforts was not the chief part of the visitor's reception.

Oh, I was prepared for anything, as our reception at Folkestone had turned my head.